Forgotten Keys

FK2: Maestro Rhythm King MRK-1 & MRK-2

AKA Lowrey AR, AR-1, ARK-1, AR-2, AR-4 & ARK-4

Updated for 2013!

A big beast of a machine from the 1960s built in the days when things were made to last. The MRK-1 and MRK-2 were almost identical, both producing eleven sounds plus varying cymbal attack and decay depending on the rhythm selected. Also built into various Lowrey organs of the period and probably most famously used by Sly & the Family Stone. FK2 is a virtual re-creation with all the sounds and rhythms of the original but without the weight! Read more…

FK2: Maestro Rhythm King MRK-1 & MRK-2 Kontakt Instrument

FK1: Korg Mini-Pops MP-7 (AKA Univox SR-95)

Updated for 2013!

Famously used by Jean-Michel Jarre on his Oxygen album in 1976, this analogue drum machine is highly sought after by Jarre fans. FK1 is a virtual re-creation of this old beauty with all 15 sounds sampled eight times and all 21 rhythms re-created, including the alternative Beguine rhythm found on the Univox version. Read more…

FK1: Korg Mini-Pops MP-7 Kontakt Instrument

FK12: Roland CompuRhythm CR-8000

New for 2013!

The Roland CompuRhythm CR-8000 was the follow-on from the classic CR-78. The sound generation is all analogue and features include programmable rhythms and intro/fill-ins. Here it is re-created as a Kontakt virtual instrument for your delight (hopefully!). Read more…

FK12: Roland CompuRhythm CR-8000 Kontakt Instrument

FK6: Roland CompuRhythm CR-78

The legendary Roland CompuRhythm CR-78 drum machine captured in all its glory! A virtual CR-78 for Kontakt. All the original preset rhythms and variations have been faithfully reproduced, and all sounds have been sampled at least eight times and at seven accent levels for more realism. There is even a virtual WS-1 programmer with six memory slots allowing you to program and store your own rhythms! Read more…

FK6: Roland CompuRhythm CR-78 Kontakt Instrument

FK11: Korg Rhythm 55B

The Korg Rhythm 55B (AKA KR-55B) is the 1982 follow-up to the Rhythm 55 released in 1979. The sound generation is identical but there is a doubling of preset rhythms, Intros and Fill-Ins as well as a major overhaul of the existing rhythm patterns. What’s more, there were two versions of this machine (possibly for different regions) and both versions have been included on this recreation for Kontakt 4.2 or later. Read more…

FK11: Korg KR-55B Kontakt Instrument

FK10: Korg Rhythm 55

One of the best and most comprehensive of the analogue era drum machines featuring a huge range of preset rhythms for the time. 48 rhythms, 16 Intros and 16 Fill-Ins. More modern metallic sounding cymbals than previous machines and a Swing feature that alters the feel. Re-created here with all its quirks for Kontakt 4.2 or later. Read more…

FK10: Korg KR-55B Kontakt Instrument

FK9: Hammond Auto-Vari 28

Salvaged from an old Hammond Organ and given the Forgotten Keys treatment, I call this the Auto-Vari 28. Not as full-featured as the AutoVari 64 by any means, but if you like old analogue drum machines then this may be of interest. It’s my most inexpensive Kontakt instrument yet! Read more…

FK9: Hammond Auto-Vari 28 Kontakt Instrument

FK5: Roland TR-77 or Rhythm-77

The TR-77 drum machine was the first product launched under the Roland brand name in 1972. It is essentially an updated Ace Tone FR7L. There are 14 sounds including a metronome all of which have been sampled plus a couple of extras created via the ancient art of poking around inside (don’t try this at home!). All internal rhythms have been re-created. Read more…

FK5: Roland TR-77 / Rhythm-77 Kontakt Instrument

FK8: Maestro Rhythm King MRK-4

The successor to the MRK-2, this 1970s drum machine features an Intro/Fill, and improved cymbal sounds. The rhythms were updated too with more rock orientated patterns. This machine also appeared in a different form as the built-in rhythm unit in some top-of-the-range Lowrey organs such as the Symphonic Holiday and Orchestral Holiday. Here is a re-creation in software form! Read more…

FK8: Maestro Rhythm King MRK-4 Kontakt Instrument

FK4: Elka Rhapsody 490 String Machine (AKA Hohner String Vox)

The Elka Rhapsody is an Italian made String Machine from the 1970s. It has that classic shimmering ensemble effect and was used by the likes of Jean-Michel Jarre, Tangerine Dream, Vangelis and, I’m sure, many others. It was also sold under the Hohner brand name as the String Vox. Here it is in Kontakt format. Read more…

FK4: Elka Rhapsody 490 Kontakt Instrument

FK7: Technics K2x0

A hybrid between two early 1980s Technics keyboards; the K-200 and K-250. They were primarily home keyboards but featured analogue as well as sampled sounds in both Poly and Solo (monophonic) sections. This is a virtual re-creation for Kontakt. Great for coming up with ideas or just having fun. Read more…

FK7: Technics K2x0 Kontakt Instrument

FK3: Yamaha Electone FE-70

The Yamaha FE-70 from 1984 may look a bit “digital”, but it hides within a rather nice set of ensemble string and vocal sounds. The ensemble effect is essentially like that of the famous Solina string machine, and Elka Rhapsody. It uses modulation and phase shifting in a rather clever way. Read more…

FK3se: String Ensemble

This Kontakt Instrument contains all 56 notes from the String Ensemble 1 sound sampled and seamlessly looped in all their stereo loveliness!

FK3se: Yamaha Electone FE-70 String Ensemble Kontakt Instrument

FK3ve: Vocal Ensemble

Read about the Yamaha Electone FE-70 organ.

This Kontakt Instrument contains all 44 notes from both of the Vocal Ensemble sounds. Oohs and Ahhs with the same shimmering ensemble effect as typically used on string sounds.

FK3ve: Yamaha Electone FE-70 Vocal Ensemble Kontakt Instrument